It is time to step up and be a manager ―Gerrard

FORMER Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says “it is time to step up and manage my own team” after it was confirmed he will run the club’s Under-18 side.

The former England captain – who made 710 appearances for the club over a 17-year Anfield career – will replace Neil Critchley, who is to manage the U23s.

Gerrard, 36, returned to Liverpool as Academy coach in February following his retirement from playing last year.

“I have learnt a lot from the coaching staff here already,” he said.

“After speaking to Alex [Inglethorpe, Liverpool’s academy director], we feel as though it is time to step up.

“Neil has done a fantastic job with the U18s, so I hope I can continue where he left off, encouraging and nurturing players into the U23s and eventually the first team.”

Inglethorpe said: “Steven has brought invaluable experience and knowledge to us since joining the Academy, passing on some fantastic advice and guidance to our younger players.

“We both feel now is the perfect time for him to take the next step in his coaching career and manage his own team.

“The U18 players can undoubtedly only learn from having someone like Steven in charge and we have no doubt he will prove to be a huge success in the position.”

In his time as a player at Anfield, Gerrard scored 186 goals and helped the club win eight major trophies, including the 2005 Champions League final, when his goal inspired Liverpool’s comeback against AC Milan.

After leaving Anfield at the end of the 2014-15 season, he moved to LA Galaxy and scored five goals in 34 appearances during two seasons in America before retiring.

He also made 114 England appearances, 38 as captain, putting him fourth in the country’s all-time caps list.

 

SOURCE: BBC SPORT